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Hikes/United Kingdom/England/Lake District
Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
1,447 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
16.3 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
7-9.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Great Gable, Kirk Fell, and Pillar Circular Walk

Great Gable Kirk Fell and Pillar Circular Walk
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Table of contents

The Great Gable, Kirk Fell, and Pillar Circular Walk is a difficult route in the Lake District that will see you traverse some rugged terrain across several summits. While out on the trail, you will work your way east alongside Lingmell Beck before climbing up the steep hillside to traverse the rocky summit viewpoints atop Great Gable, Kirk Fell, and Pillar. This route is fairly exposed to the elements and will require some light scrambling, so be prepared for all trail conditions and pack any necessary gear.

Route Description for Great Gable, Kirk Fell, and Pillar Circular Walk

Walking the Great Gable, Kirk Fell, and Pillar Circular is a tough adventure that is popular with Lake District walkers who enjoy rough and rugged trails, as well as stunning views of the surrounding Lakeland terrain. Setting out from the car park in Wasdale Head, the trail will take you through the corridor to the northeast along the waters of Lingmell Beck, before branching off to the northwest on the steep ascent of Great Gable. Reaching the vantage point with stunning views of Wast Water below, you will follow the trail to the northwest as it traverses the rocky and technical summits of Kirk Fell and Pillar. Here, you will descend the hillside along a scree slope of loose rock, eventually making your way back to the valley floor along Mosedale Beck, following it back to the car park where you started your adventure.

Getting to the Great Gable, Kirk Fell, and Pillar Circular Walk Trailhead

To access the trailhead for the Great Gable, Kirk Fell, and Pillar Circular Walk from the Old Post Campsite in Santon Bridge, head north for 1.9mi and make a right turn, continuing on for another 5mi to reach the car park.

Route Information

  • When to do:

    March-October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    Wasdale Head Campsite

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Circuit

Great Gable, Kirk Fell, and Pillar Circular Walk Elevation Graph

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